Never had any real problems with HP, myself - 99% of the time, they're my PC brand of choice. Never heard of that new/used parts thing - maybe for repairs, but not for a brand new machine...

Anyway, here's my advice. Skip the netbook; spend a tiny bit more and get something with an AMD Fusion chip, or a low-voltage Core 2. Whatever you do, I strongly advise that you AVOID the Atom if at all possible.

My advice right now? Dell has deep discounts on the Vostro V13. Sure, its an older model, but you can get it BRAND NEW with a low-volt Core 2 and 320GB HD for $349. Its basically a netbook in price, but near full-fledged in performance and size (13").

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